* His father, Mardie Cornejo, pitched professionally for the New York Mets.
* Was 5-1 with a 0.88 ERA during his senior season at Wellington High School in 1998.
* Resides in Wellington, KS during the off-season.
2004
Cornejo pitched and won Detroit's home opener against Minnesota, then went winless in his next four starts. He was briefly pulled out of the rotation before an examination from Dr. Lewis Yocum revealed inflammation in his right shoulder. He eventually was diagnosed with a frayed right labrum and underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
2003
Logged his first full season in the majors, leading all Tigers starters with a
4.67 ERA (
192.2IP/101ER), 194.2
innings pitched and two complete games.
Tigers offense scored an average of 3.24 runs per nine innings (
70/194.2IP) in his outings, the least amount of
support in the major leagues.
Slightly more than half of his starts (
17-of-32) were quality starts, including six of his first seven and nine of his
first 11...had six straight quality starts April 12-May 11 and went 3-1
with a
1.83 ERA (
39.1IP/8ER) over this
stretch...tied for 22nd in the American League and topped the Tigers staff with his 17 quality starts.
Struggled during his 2003 season debut, allowing four runs on six hits as he was knocked from the game April 4
at Chicago in the second inning...lasted only 1.1 innings, which at the time matched the shortest start of his major
league career (
also at Chicago on September 4, 2001).
Earned his first win and the Tigers first win on April 12 versus Chicago, limiting the White Sox to one run on seven
hits in six innings...recorded seven outs via the ground ball, six via the fly ball, three via strikeouts and two via a
double play line-out by Tony Graffanino.
Allowed a
run on five hits in six innings of work in a
2-0
loss at Oakland on April 24...allowed the run in the fifth
inning while giving up three hits -- pitched out of the jam by stranding three runners.
Was named Tigers Pitcher of the Month for April due to a
1-2
record and a
3.54 ERA (
20.1IP/9ER)...additionally,
he recorded quality starts in three of his four outings during the month..
Did not figure in the decision after allowing just one run on five hits in seven innings of work in the first game of
a
doubleheader on May 1
versus Baltimore...he walked two in the outing and left the game after the seventh
inning with a
2-1
lead.
Recorded his fifth consecutive quality start of the season and picked up his second win with 7.1 solid innings of
work on May 5
at Baltimore...allowed just one run on six hits, walked three and fanned one.
Earned his third win of the season, his second straight, as he posted his sixth consecutive quality start May 11 at
Tampa Bay...allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings of work.
Saw his string of six straight quality starts halted in a
loss on May 17 versus Seattle, allowing five runs on eight
hits in five innings -- all five runs were scored on home runs (
a
three-run home run by Bret Boone and a
solo shot
each by Ichiro Suzuki and Boone).
Was named Tigers Pitcher of the Month for May due to a
2-1
record and 2.72 ERA (
39.2IP/12ER) in six starts.
Took no-decision in 3-2
win at San Diego on June 3, his first interleague start -- allowed a
run on nine hits in seven
innings...induced two inning-ending double play balls...went 0-1
with a
4.94 ERA (
23.2IP/13ER) in four starts
versus the NL.
Did not factor in the decision in his start June 8
at San Francisco after the bullpen blew a
6-3
lead...allowed four
runs on a
season-high 11 hits in 5.1 innings of work -- snapped a
three-start stretch in which he worked sevenor-
more innings while allowing two runs or less.
Pitched well in his start on July 10 versus Chicago, combining with Jamie Walker and Chris Mears to shut out
Esteban Loaiza and the White Sox 1-0...he allowed seven hits while walking two and fanning two over eight
innings.
Failed to get out of the first inning on July 30 at Seattle, allowing nine runs (
three earned) on seven hits in 0.2
innings -- was shortest outing of career...allowed a
three-run home run to John Olerud and a
grand slam to Randy
Winn along with a
pair of doubles...the nine runs in the first inning were the most allowed by a
Tigers team since
the franchise allowed nine on May 16, 1916 versus the Washington Senators.
Fired the second complete game of his career on August 10 versus Minnesota, taking the loss after allowing four
runs on nine hits in the 4-3
loss -- all four runs were scored on five hits in the first inning.
Blanked Toronto for nine innings on September 6, but did not factor in the decision as Tigers lost 1-0
in 10 innings
-- first Tigers pitcher to toss at least nine shutout innings in an extra-inning game since Jack Morris on September
27, 1986 at New York (
10 innings in 1-0
win) and first since Dan Petry on September 28, 1985 versus Boston
(
nine innings) to toss nine shutout innings in no-decision.
Tossed his second complete game of season, third of career, on September 11 at New York in a
loss -- allowed
five runs on 11 hits in eight innings, with three of the runs coming on five hits during the fourth inning.
Was last in the AL among pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings, with 2.13 (
46/194.2)...also last in strikeout/walk
ratio at .79 (
46/58).
The 2.13 strikeouts per nine innings is sixth-fewest all-time in Tigers history among pitchers with at least 162.0
innings pitched (
Win Mercer had fewest, in 1902 with 1.28).
Finished second in the AL with 30 grounded into double play balls induced -- Bartolo Colon-CWS was first with
31...tops among AL starters with an average of 1.39 grounded into double play balls per nine innings pitched.
Last among league starters with an average of 10.91 hits per nine innings (
236/194.2)...tied for seventh-highest
all-time among Tigers pitchers.
Posted a
ratio of 1.70 ground balls to fly balls (
358/211), ranking sixth in the AL.
Recorded 62.9 percent of outs put in play via ground balls (
358/569) -- sixth-best in the AL behind Derek Lowe-
BOS (
79.7%), Roy Halladay-TOR (
72.9), Tim Hudson-OAK (
69.3), Mark Mulder-OAK (
66.8) and Andy Pettittie-
NYY (
63.8).
Recorded six pickoffs (
including pitcher-assisted caught stealing), which tied for third-most among AL hurlers...
tied for tops with Ryan Franklin-SEA among righthanded pitchers.
Opponents collected 47 doubles off of him, tied for sixth-most among AL pitchers.
The opposition batted .307 against him, the highest average against for AL pitchers...number increased to .323
(
65x201) with runners in scoring position, fifth-highest among pitchers.
Averaged 93.56 pitches per start (
2994/32), fourth-lowest among AL pitchers with at least 30 starts.
Allowed just 18 home runs in 194.2 innings pitched, good for .83 per nine innings -- 10th-lowest in the AL.
2002
- Broke camp with the Tigers, but was sent to Triple A Toledo on May 21...was 9-8 with a 4.42 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) for the Mud Hens...earned a September recall to Detroit.
- Was the fifth starter as camp broke and saw his first start on April 6 versus Cleveland...took the loss as the Tigers fell 5-3 (5.2,8,4,3,5,4).
- Off days necessitated two outings at Toledo in April, as he worked in relief and had one start on April 10 and 15, respectively, for the Mud Hens...fired two scoreless innings of relief on April 10 versus Norfolk...did not figure in the decision in his start on April 15 at Norfolk after allowing just two runs on six hits in six innings.
- Recalled from Toledo to pitch at Chicago on April 20...took the loss after allowing six runs (five earned) on four hits while walking three batters in 2.1 innings as a grand slam by Paul Konerko chased Cornejo from the game in third inning.
- Tossed his first career complete game on April 27 in a 5-1 win versus Minnesota...limited the Twins to nine hits while walking one and fanning a career-high eight... retired 17 of the last 20 batters he faced in the 119-pitch effort.
- Went 0-2 with a 6.86 ERA (21.0IP/16ER) in the month of May.
- Joined Toledo's starting rotation for the remainder of its season after being optioned for a second time by the Tigers on May 21.
- Worked six-or-more innings in 16 of his 20 starts for the Mud Hens, allowing three runs-or-less in 10 starts.
- Won seven straight decisions at Toledo from June 9-July 18, a stretch of eight starts...allowed 17 runs (15 earned) on 51 hits in 55.2 innings over the eight-start stretch, a 2.44 ERA.
- Struggled during August, losing four of his five decisions...in his six starts, he posted a 6.69 ERA (36.1IP/27ER).
- His last start with Toledo came September 5 versus Durham in the second game of the International League
playoffs...did not figure in the decision after allowing three runs on eight hits in seven innings.
- Lefthanded batters in the International League posted a .366 batting average (74x202) and hit eight of the 11 home runs he surrendered.
- Had three starts upon his September recall to Detroit, one of which was rained out after two innings.
- Pitched well in a no-decision on September 13 versus Kansas City...worked six-plus innings and allowed two runs on five hits -- both runs came in his final inning after allowing three straight hits...Tigers won 4-2 in 10 innings.
- Start on September 19 was washed out -- had given up nine runs (seven earned) while retiring just one batter before being pulled versus Minnesota...game was called at the end of the second inning.
- Victimized by three unearned runs in final start on September 26 at Kansas City, a 7-2 loss...allowed four hits in six innings, but also walked four.
- Major league opponents batted .303 (63x208) versus him, with righties posting a .337 batting average (33x98).
- Selected as the 55th-best prospect in baseball prior to the season by Baseball America.
2001
- Was a combined 20-game winner between Detroit, Triple A Toledo and Double A Erie...was Tigers Pitcher of the Month in August...named to Baseball America 2001 Minor League All-Star Team...was Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Month and Eastern League MVP for April...also Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Month for July... named to Double A All-Star Team...selected for Futures Game held prior to MLB All-Star game in Seattle.
- Began the 2001 season at Double A Erie, where he posted a 12-3 record with a 2.68 ERA in 19 starts for the SeaWolves...struck out 105 and walked 41 in 124.1 innings.
- Threw three complete games for Erie, including one shutout.
- Dominated the season's first month, going 5-0 with a 0.55 ERA over five starts in April (2ER/33.0IP)...recorded 27 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .186 average (21x113).
- First complete game came in rain-shortened contest April 17 at Reading (6.0,4,3,1,2,2).
- Tossed second complete game just two starts later, April 28 at Bowie...allowed just three hits in nine shutout innings while issuing one walk and fanning a season-high nine batters.
- Went 3-1 over six May starts for Erie with a 2.63 ERA (11ER/37.2IP).
- Took his first loss of the season May 3 versus Akron...allowed five runs on six hits in 5.1 innings.
- Earned wins in his next three decisions, including eight shutout innings in which he allowed just two hits May 23 at Binghamton.
- Fanned 21 batters over 20.1 innings in three starts May 18-29, including eight batters May 29 versus New Haven (7.2,5,2,1,1,8).
- Allowed a season-high six earned runs in second loss, June 8 versus New Britain (Game 2)...gave up three home runs and walked six.
- Took the loss in his next start, June 7 at Trenton as he allowed two runs in seven innings.
- Finished his stint with Erie with four consecutive wins...tossed his third complete game June 28 at New Haven, allowing just one run on five hits in nine innings while fanning seven.
- Matched season high with nine strikeouts in 6.1 innings July 3 versus Akron...earned the win despite allowing five runs, three on home runs.
- Worked seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits in his last start for Erie, July 14 versus Harrisburg...struck out six and gave up one walk.
- Ranked fourth in the Eastern League with a 2.68 ERA.
- Held minor league opponents to a combined .229 batting average (131x573)...fanned 127 between Toledo and Erie while walking 48, a 2.6-to-1 ratio.
- Went 4-4 with a 7.38 ERA in 10 starts for Detroit (42.2IP).
- Made his major league debut August 8 at Texas...did not factor in the decision, allowing six runs on nine hits in three innings before the Tigers exploded for a 19-6 win.
- Was hit for six runs (four earned) on six hits in 3.2 innings August 4 versus Anaheim...walked two and hit a batter.
- Won each of his last eight starts in the minors, four with Toledo and four with Erie.
- Was 4-0 in four starts for the Mud Hens with a 2.12 ERA...walked seven and fanned 22.
b" Tossed eight innings in each of his first two games with Toledo...allowed two runs on six hits while striking out six July 19 at Norfolk, and fanned eight while allowing two runs (one home run) on five hits July 24 at Syracuse.
- Pitched seven innings in a win July 29 at Rochester (7.0,8,2,2,2,3).
- Earned the win in his last start for Toledo August 3 versus Columbus...allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits in 6.2 innings while fanning five.
- Recorded his first major league win on August 19 versus Kansas City...gave up two runs on five hits in 6.2 innings while walking three and fanning three.
- Allowed three runs (two earned) in five innings in his second straight victory August 24 at Oakland.
- Earned third straight win August 30 versus Chicago...was longest outing of the season, allowing just one run on six hits in seven innings.
- Named Tigers Pitcher of the Month for August, going 3-1 with a 5.33 ERA in five starts.
- Made his shortest start for the Tigers in a 10-1 loss at Chicago September 4...gave up four runs on five hits and walked five in just 1.1 innings.
- Lasted 3.1 innings in loss September 9 versus Toronto...gave up four runs on five hits while walking four batters, two of which would later score.
- Did not factor in decision in 4-3 win at Boston September 22 (5.0,4,2,2,4,5)...allowed two solo home runs.
- Reached the 20-win mark with a 5-2 win over Minnesota on October 3...allowed five runs on eight hits in 5.1 IP, walked three and fanned two in his first win since August 30 at Chicago.
2000
-
Opened the season with Single A Lakeland before being promoted to Double A Jacksonville in June.
- Posted a 2-2 record with a 2.93 ERA in five starts during April, allowing 16 runs (nine earned) on 28 hits in 27.2 innings.
- Fanned eight batters in 6.0 innings as he defeated Daytona May 1.
- Tossed a complete game, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits while fanning six batters in 9.0 innings as he defeated Sarasota May 12.
- Struck out a season-high nine batters, taking the loss at Dunedin May 12 after allowing five runs on seven hits in 6.2 innings.
- In his six starts during May, he posted a 3-2 record with a 3.12 ERA, allowing 17 runs (15 earned) on 35 hits with 38 strikeouts in 43.1 innings. Limited the opposition to a .219 batting average (35x160).
- Selected to the Florida State League's mid-season all-star team, but was unable to participate due to his promotion to Jacksonville.
- Held Florida State League righthanders to a .212 batting average (39x184). Lefties hit .275 (28x102) with him on the mound.
- Limited opponents to a .203 batting average (14x69) with runners in scoring position.
- Earned the win in his debut with Jacksonville, tossing 5.0 innings at West Tenn June 9.
- Tossed 7.0 strong innings June 22 versus Mobile, allowing one run on three hits to earn a no-decision.
- Lost five consecutive decisions July 4-August 1, posting a 4.84 ERA in 35.1 innings.
- Fanned seven batters in 6.0 innings against Orlando July 22 in a loss.
- Struck out seven batters at Chattanooga August 1, taking the loss while allowing four runs (three earned) in 7.0 innings.
- Tossed 8.0 shutout innings, allowing four hits and fanning five batters in a win over Carolina August 6.
- Struggled in his next start August 12 at Huntsville, allowing eight runs on six hits and walking three batters without recording an out in the first inning in a loss.
- Posted a three-game winning streak August 17-28, posting a 1.35 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 20.0 innings.
- Fanned seven batters, allowing one run in 7.0 innings against Greenville August 17 to earn the win.
- Hurled 7.0 shutout innings at Orlando August 28, earning the win.
- Posted a 4-2 record with a 3.60 ERA in six starts during August, allowing 15 runs (14 earned) on 34 hits in 35.0 innings. Fanned 28 batters while allowing opponents to hit .262 (34x130) against him.
- Lost both of his starts during the Southern League playoffs, posting a 14.85 ERA in 6.2 innings.
- Righthanded opposition in the Southern League hit .252 (54x214) against him, while lefties hit .303 (37x122) with him on the mound.
- Named as the fifth-best prospect in the Tigers organization following the season.
1999
-
Pitched the entire 1999 season with Single A West Michigan.
- Led the Midwest League with 174.2 innings pitched, tied for the lead with 28 games started and tied for third with four complete games.
- Did not allow a home run in his first 11 starts of the season April 10-June 5, tossing 64.2 innings.
- Named the Midwest League's Pitcher of the Week April 8-17, posting a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA. Did not allow a run while allowing nine hits and striking out nine batters in 11.0 innings over his two starts.
- Struck out a season-high 10 batters while shutting out Michigan in the first game of a doubleheader April 23, allowing just one hit in 7.0 innings.
- Earned the Midwest League's Pitcher of the Week honor for the second consecutive week April 18-24 for his efforts against Michigan April 23.
- Took the loss at Burlington, tossing a complete game in the first game of a doubleheader. Allowed three runs on eight hits in 6.0 innings.
- Named the Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April, posting a 2-1 record with a 1.13 ERA in four starts. Allowed three runs on 18 hits in 24.0 innings, fanning 22 batters. The opposition hit .214 (18x84) with him on the mound.
- Struggled during May, losing all four of his decisions while posting a 6.42 ERA in six starts. Allowed 29 runs (24 earned) on 39 hits in 33.2 innings.
- Fanned nine batters in a loss against Cedar Rapids June 15, allowing three runs on six hits in 7.0 innings.
- Finished June with a 2.81 ERA in five starts, allowing 15 runs (10 earned) on 24 hits in 32.0 innings. Fanned 26 batters while limiting opponents to a .216 batting average (24x111).
- Tossed a three-hit complete game, allowing an unearned run as he lost July 1 against Kane County.
- Posted back-to-back wins against Peoria July 16 and 21, tossing 12.0 innings.
- Made seven starts during July, posting a 3-4 record with a 3.52 ERA. Fanned 33 batters in 46.0 innings, while allowing 21 runs (18 earned) on 48 hits.
- Finished the season with a three-game winning streak, posting a 3.54 ERA in 28.0 innings.
- Defeated Quad City August 17 with a complete game effort, allowing one runs on six hits in 9.0 innings.
- Tossed 8.0 innings, allowing three runs as he defeated Clinton August 22.
- Midwest League righthanders hit .275 (112x408) with him on the mound. Lefties hit .250 (61x244) against him.
